Caring for your porcelain veneers

Introduction

Porcelain veneers will give you a beautiful new smile. Naturally, you’ll want to take good care of your dental veneers so they last as long as possible. You should think of your porcelain veneers as an investment.

Remember, porcelain veneers do not last forever. Rather, they can last as long as 10 to 15 years when properly cared for. The patient is largely responsible for the life-span of their dental veneers. By following a few simple guidelines, your porcelain veneers will continue to dazzle for years to come.

Porcelain veneers require good oral hygiene

Good oral hygiene is of the utmost importance for maintaining your porcelain veneers. Typically, your dental care routine won’t vary much from what you’re probably already doing. Brush your teeth twice a day, rinse with mouth wash, and floss. It’s a good idea to check with your dentist to make sure you’re using a toothpaste and toothbrush that is not too harsh for your dental veneers.

The parts of your natural teeth that are not covered by the dental veneers are vulnerable to decay, just as all of your teeth are. With thorough brushing and flossing, you can avoid cavities, gingivitis and plaque that would negatively affect your porcelain veneers and your overall oral health.

Gum disease in particular can lessen the attractive appearance of dental veneers. When inflamed, gums recede. Should your gums recede, it will reveal the top edge of your dental veneers. The raw edge can be noticeable, and it can also be subject to staining.

Regular visits to your dentist are an essential part of any oral care regimen. You should visit your dentist twice a year for cleanings and check-ups. You’ll be less prone to cavities and gum inflammation, and it will also give the dentist an opportunity to check on the state of your porcelain veneers. Any potential problems can be dealt with before they damage the dental veneers in any way.

Bad habits that are hard on porcelain veneers

For the most part, you will not have to change your regular eating habits in order to maintain your dental veneers. However, you want to be aware that porcelain veneers are more delicate than natural teeth. Because of that, you should avoid chewing on hard items, such as crunching on ice. You will also want to break habits such as chewing pencils or biting your nails.

Grinding your teeth is also very hard on dental veneers. “Bruxism” is the medical term for clenching and grinding your teeth on a regular basis – typically without even being aware of it. If you’re prone to clenching and grinding, you can talk to your dentist about purchasing a night guard. Most clenching and grinding occurs while you sleep, so a custom-fitted night guard can significantly reduce the potential for damage to your porcelain veneers.

Preventing your porcelain veneers from staining

Porcelain veneers are known for their resistance to staining. However, cement is used to bond dental veneers to your teeth, and that cement is vulnerable to staining. Should staining occur, the dental veneers themselves will remain white, but the edges will be darkened or yellowed.
Whenever possible, avoid foods and beverages that have the potential for staining. You don’t have to give up coffee. Instead, opt for drinking it with a straw. Also, smoking causes yellow staining. A few changes are all it takes to keep your dental veneers dazzling and white.

Conclusion

Maintaining the strength and beauty of your new dental veneers is easy. The key is maintaining excellent oral hygiene. Don’t hesitate to contact your dentist with concerns about your porcelain veneers. Your dentist wants you to maintain your dream smile as much as you do.

If you're new here, you may want to subscribe to my RSS feed. Thanks for visiting!